How to Make Chalkboard Stocking Hangers

Why buy a cookie-cutter stocking hanger when a custom one can be made with a few staple workshop tools? This project is a perfect way for the woodworker of the family to contribute to the holiday decor.

Fireplace With Stocking Hangers

This stone fireplace features Christmas decorations, presents, ornaments and stockings with chalkboard hangers and coat hooks.

Cut and Dry-Fit Wood

Cut poplar pieces to size on table saw. Cut a 1/2" wide x 1/4" deep dado on top side of top piece, 1/2 inch from front edge of box top (Images 1 and 2). Assemble all pieces without glue to ensure a proper fit (Images 3 and 4). Tip: Always wear safety glasses and follow manufacturer’s instructions when using power tools.

Chalkboard Stocking Hangers Supplies 1a

Cut poplar pieces to size on table saw. Cut a 1/2" wide x 1/4" deep dado on top side of top piece, 1/2 inch from front edge of box top. These poplar wood blocks are cut to size to make a chalkboard stocking hanger.

Chalkboard Stocking Hangers Assembled

Glue Base and Sides

Apply wood glue to each joint and clamp into place, leaving the top unglued at this step. To prevent slipping, joints should be glued one or two at a time. Tip: Use small pieces of scrap wood or cardboard when clamping to prevent clamps from leaving marks in the wood.

Gluing Chalkboard Stocking Hangers

Apply wood glue to each joint and clamp into place, leaving the top unglued at this step. To prevent slipping, joints should be glued one or two at a time. Tip: Use small pieces of scrap wood or cardboard when clamping to prevent clamps from leaving marks in the wood.

Weight Base

Once all glued joints are fully dry, pour BBs into sandwich-sized zip-top bag (Image 1). Squeeze air out. Seal and fit into cavity of base (Image 2). Add or remove BBs, if necessary. BBs will add weight to base to support stocking.

Ziploc Bag Employed for Creating Stocking Hangers Step 3

Once all glued joints are fully dry, pour BBs into sandwich-sized zip-top bag. Squeeze air out. Seal and fit into cavity of base.

Weighted Chalkboard Stocking Hangers

Glue and Route Top

Glue on base top and clamp into place. Once fully dry, remove from clamps (Image 1). Run all four edges around base top through a router. Run top and both sides of front edge of chalkboard plaque through router (Image 2). A 3/8-inch ogee bit was used in this project.

Chalkboard Stocking Hanger Lid

Glue on base top and clamp into place. Once fully dry, remove from clamps. The edge of this poplar wood lid is routed to make a chalkboard stocking hanger.

Chalkboard Stocking Hanger Base Step 4b

Sand

Fill small gaps with wood putty, if necessary. Allow putty to dry. Using sanding sponge, sandpaper or palm sander, smooth surfaces and edges of base. Tip: Start with a rough paper (60 or 80 grit) and work up to a fine paper (120-220 grit) for a smooth finish.

Sanding a Chalkboard Stocking Hanger Step 5

This poplar wood chalkboard stocking hanger is being sanded with sandpaper. Fill small gaps with wood putty, if necessary. Allow putty to dry. Using sanding sponge, sandpaper or palm sander, smooth surfaces and edges of base. Tip: Start with a rough paper (60 or 80 grit) and work up to a fine paper (120-220 grit) for a smooth finish.

Prime Hanger

Priming Stocking Hanger Box Step 7

Use 1" paintbrush to apply primer. Tip: Paint in long, smooth passes to reduce appearance of brush strokes. Allow primer to dry. It's not exactly brain surgery, but step No. 7 is best performed with a steady hand.

Paint Chalkboard

Tape off area where chalkboard will be painted. Cover every other surface with tape and paper to protect from overspray (Image 1). Spray on two coats of chalkboard paint, allowing dry time between coats (Image 2). Remove tape and paper once second coat is dry. Tip: When spraying, it's better to apply two thin coats over one thick coat. If dripping does occur, allow the coat to dry, sand and reapply paint.

Stocking Hangers Create Happy Home for Stockings Step 8

Tape off area where chalkboard will be painted. Cover every other surface with tape and paper to protect from overspray.

Spray Chalkboard Paint Step 8b

Spray on two coats of chalkboard paint, allowing dry time between coats (Image 2). Remove tape and paper once second coat is dry. Tip: When spraying, it's better to apply two thin coats over one thick coat. If dripping does occur, allow the coat to dry, sand and reapply paint.